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British - Ishapore Produced - 303 Enfield Number 1 - Mark 3 Rifle
Guns International #: 101619512 Seller's Inventory #: Early 1943 - Matching Serial Numbers
Category: Enfield Rifles - Military Rifles - British
Seller's Information
When emailing or calling sellers direct, please mention that you saw their listing on GunsInternational.com
Seller: As-issued-collector
Member Since: 12/19/20
First Name: James
Last Name: Christman
State: Florida
Zip: 33708
Country: United States
Phone: (727) 560-8560
Number of Active Listings: 3
Seller: Private Seller
Return Policy: 3 day inspection and return policy on used guns.
Returns may be possible? If there is a specific concern / reason expressed and documented PRIOR to purchase.
Payment Types Accepted: Money Order --Cashiers Check -- Personal Check Up to 5 to 10 days after receipt).
Description:
British - Ishapore Produced - Enfield Number 1 - Mark 3 Rifle
Produced in Early 1943 - Matching Serial Numbers: 24600
Overview:
The .303 SMLE No. 1 Mk III; is an overall favorite Enfield, probably because the Mark 3 was extensively used in WW 2, by all services. Experienced sources have inspected this rifle and have confirmed that this is an original unaltered Enfield No 1 Mark 3 rifle, that was produced in India at the Ishapore Rifle Factory. Ishapore that is located just nort of Calcutta began manufacturing Enfield firearms in 1909, using British supplied machining and milling equipment. They were manufactured to the same exact specifications employed by the Royal Small Arms Factories in England.
History:
The Ishapore factory produced just over 600,000 SMLE No. 1 Mk 3 rifles, during World War II. Many were “trashed” or lost, during the war, or they were factory modified or repaired during and after the war. Making an original, unaltered rifle with matching serial numbers; especially in very good, to fine condition, kind of scarce.
It would be a disservice to count the India made 303 an inferior production because they were good, dependable, and effective rifles. For example, during the Soviet-Afghan War of the 1980s, the Mujahideed found through practical experience that the .303 Ishapore Enfield had twice the effective range of the AK assault rifle that could punch through Soviet flak jackets. So, while it was obviously an obsolete antique rifle, Soviet soldiers learned to respect the .303 Ishapore Enfield
Markings:
The Barrel Band underneath the Bolt is stamped. GRI – 1943 – No 1 Mk III. The serial numbers are stamped on the: Right side of the receiver followed by an “H” (factory location?), the back of the bolt, and Bayonet Stud. A “II” followed by stylized P, in stamped on rear latter sight. There is very small lettering is stamped on the back-right side of the receiver, ending in GRI. The left side is of receiver stacked stamped with: A Crown (top) GRI (middle). Small Crossed Flags (bottom). There is a “u” stamped on the bolt locking lug and front barrel band. And 3 small arrows are stamped towards the bottom front of the barrel. There is a very small “S” is stamped on the bottom of the trigger guard.
Because I wanted all of my rifles to stay in the same condition as when purchased. To reduce ware, it was only lightly clean and oiled to maintain as much originality as possible. And after 50 years this caused some oil and grease build up, especially in the tight creases and connections. Most of the original blue finish is present
The receiver shows some discoloration maybe from old dried grease? The bolt has minor blemishes for the age. The rifling is in good condition. The barrel is mostly shinny with some discoloration. There is some overall minor thinning and a small amount of light spotting on the butt plate. The wood is excellent with expected minor dings, dents and scratches. Based on the fact that this was issued in the middle of WW2 and the action is excellent. All markings are legible, photos should help with this description?
It is understood that there are a lot of Enfield “experts” out there. If you find an inaccuracy in any of the above, please let me know because I don’t want to misrepresent any of my rifles. It may be important to note that this rifle was purchased from an individual in 1974. I was told that he had owned it for over 20 years, so probably just two owners in ~70 years? Which might explain the condition?
Applies to all listings:
In 2002, the entire collection was professionally removed from wood and inspected for condition. Then cleaned, lubricated and reassembled. By a very experienced and professional Gunsmith. All received a clean bill of health from a condition stand point. Better than appropriate for the age.
They have only been lightly cleaned and oiled by me. Before and since. The entire collection has never out of a temperature-humidity, controlled environment. Since the purchased date. Most post 1920 guns have been fired by a qualified gunsmith or range master. For reliability, functionality and safety confirmation. I have fired a few. Limited to a total of <200 rounds. Most guns that are equipped for them, have as-issued correct Bayonet and Scabbards, in very good condition. Where applicable: Most have (sure looks like) as issued: Slings, clips and / or removable magazines. And some higher Mag loads, are available. All have the expected stampings and / or cartouches. Some Government Arsenal Reconditions are included. And if so? There are photos of the clear markings of this reconditioning. Again, per individual listing. Other than Arsenal Rebuilds.
There are no known replacement or OEM parts or accessories in this collection.
All firearms are offered as collector’s items only. Seller does not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any firearm. A thorough inspection. should be conducted by an experienced, reliable gunsmith / rangemaster Before even considering firing any gun.
Specific descriptions related to a Firearm. Are based on knowledge, at the time of the listing. None are intentionally misrepresented. And are described as accurately and to the best of my ability, as possible. Please make your own determinations. And please let me know if you detect an issue?
A 3rd party, totally independent gunsmith. Is available for consultation / condition confirmation. At the buyer’s expense. Or, if you have a contact in the Tampa Bay Florida area? I’ll take it to them. I am available to take phone inquiries. Between 9AM & 6 PM. Most days.
Abiding by and meeting any and all: City, state or federal regulations, regarding the purchase or owning of firearms. Or any item related to the firearm. Such as clips, magazines, bayonets or any item listed or sold with the firearm: Is the responsibility of the purchaser to meet, and/or abide by. All firearms are mechanically sound and complete, unless noted. To be clear: I am NOT warranting them as safe to fire
The Buyer must have a valid Driver’s License. And complete the Florida Individual Person: Firearm & Ammunition Transfer Disclosure Document. Not sure if it is needed? For every sale? But it only takes about 5 minutes to complete. I will only ship to an FFL License Holder? And will need a copy of the license. Or, the complete License Information. Prior to shipping. All taxes, fees, insurance, customs and / or any other non-firearm specific regulations, related to the listing. Is the responsibility of the buyer or buyer’s representative, to meet. Thank you for your understanding and agreement.
Price: $1,350.00
Rifle Caliber: .303 British
Manufacturer: Lee Enfield - Ishapore Produced
Model: Enfield No 1 Mark 3